IceFrog: DOTA2 won't replace DOTA

DOTA creator Abdul Ismail (better known as IceFrog) has assured the Defence of the Ancients community that Valve's new sequel won't override and replace the original.

At least not straight away.

"I plan to keep DOTA updated for as long as the community wants," he pledged.

"That being said," he added, "I think that DOTA2 represents the long term future for the game."

His comments were made as part of an open Q&A on the DOTA2 website. The general gist of the answers is that DOTA gameplay will remain largely intact, with the majority of improvements surrounding the Network infrastructure, match spectators and community aspects.

Oh and graphics, of course - although visual flourishes won't be at the expense of gameplay.

"Gameplay is definitely the most important aspect," promised Ismail. "Everyone on the team understands this concern.

"The number-one priority is making sure players can quickly and easily tell what's happening on the screen at all times. Fine tuning the right visual balance with each ability, effect, hero, etc., will be an ongoing process as the game is play-tested and we get your feedback.

"A clean and understandable visual representation of the action is important to everyone from experienced players, spectators, to new players."

DOTA is a custom scenario built for Warcraft III using the game's world editor. The idea is to destroy the opposing teams' Ancient boss using a squad of hero units, which can be levelled up and decked out in better gear throughout the course of the battle.

The only real surprises are that a DOTA sequel has taken this long and that it's Valve not Blizzard bossing it. Mind you, Blizzard's Rob Pardo doesn't seem too thrilled with the latter prospect, especially after Valve tried to trademark the title.